Marriage

One of the greatest steps to take in life is to commit yourself and your future into the hands of another person. You will need as much preparation as possible to be able to know what and who you are committing yourself to.

At St Patrick’s Catholic Marriage Care will be providing marriage preparation courses for couples. You can obtain further information about registration for the courses from Harold Mosley, email: york.admin@marriagecare.org.uk,
or by telephoning 0800 389 3801. It’s purpose is to help the couple understand the meaning of Christian marriage and become aware of marriage as a sacrament. There are many aspects of marriage covered

Church law requires weddings to be held in the parish church of either the bride or groom, although the priest may give permission for the wedding to take place in another parish (Canon 1115). Your parish church is typically the one in whose territory you reside, although many Catholics choose to attend a different parish. The priest at your parish is responsible for overseeing your preparation for marriage, and usually presides at the wedding, although he may delegate this responsibility to another priest

Quote

Then the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone, I will make him a helper fit for him. Genesis 2:18

Below is a list of some of the practical things you will need

You will need to fill out a pre­nuptual enquiry form which asks for details such as name, address, family, your religious background such as Baptisms and Confirmation details (at least one of the partners must be a Catholic).

You will need to obtain a copy of your baptismal details (a certificate or details from the parish where you were baptised), a certificate of details of your confirmation. If you are a Catholic , but have not yet been confirmed you may need to receive the sacrament before the marriage takes place. In addition, a note, or letter from the parish where you were Baptised will be required to confirm that your name does not appear as married already on their records!

You will be asked to make an appointment at the registry office to apply for a certificate to get married at St Patrick's. The registrar will interview you separately and then the civil banns will be displayed at the registrars Office. After this you will both be issued with a certificate authorising the priest or Deacon to perform the civil side of the marriage. Without this the marriage cannot take place. Please bring the certificates provided by the registrar to the Priest.

The rite of marriage has to be planned together by choosing appropriate readings from the sacred scriptures; suitable music and hymns selected (only Christian music is permissible). You will need to ask individuals willing to read at the service, to distribute the hymn books, order of service etc..

A rehearsal will be held shortly before the wedding (a day or two). Bring to the rehearsal the organist / musicians / church florists fee and a donation for the church.

Do not throw confetti in the grounds of the church and ask your guests to please switch off mobile phones or put them into silent/vibrate mode BEFORE stepping into Church as the Blessed Sacrament is present and it is a place of prayer.

Links

Biblical

Angel of God, my Guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here, ever this day (or night) be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

Guardian Angel Prayer

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death. Amen.